Black Models Were Turned Away from Miami Swim Week

Black Models Were Turned Away from Miami Swim Week casting because of their Skin Color

Models Joia Talbott and Ka-Cey share their experience, saying the two of them, along with 10 to 15 other women “were dismissed from a casting today because they told us they didn’t want any more black models.”

Talbott also alleges that the casting agency said “Afros were a no-no.” Neither model shared the name of the casting agency, but said that the black models were told casting was closed. When the women of color moved out of the line, Talbott alleges that the casting continued.

These allegations come shortly after the Sports Illustrated fashion show at Miami Swim Week was praised for its inclusivity due to showcasing one model with a prosthetic leg and another walking down the runway while breastfeeding her newborn daughter.